An agriculture training programme for those from non-farming backgrounds has been extended to Powys residents up to the age of 40.

Hosted by Lantra Wales, the Agri-Start programme is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, supported by Powys County Council.

The accredited programme launched earlier this year and offers training in agriculture, forestry and horticulture.

The fully funded courses through the Lantra Awards network come in a wide range of land based sector skills, from tractor driving and all-terrain vehicles (ATV), right through to woodland management and livestock handling.

Commenting on the announcement Sarah Lewis, Deputy Wales Director from project host Lantra Wales, said: “We’re delighted that such a key programme aimed at supporting increased accredited training in the land based sector can now be offered to a larger group of Powys residents.

“If you are interested in developing a career in agriculture, forestry or horticulture, free accredited training is available.

“I encourage anyone interested to get in touch via [email protected] and learn more over the coming weeks.”

Seren Cook is one recent trainee from the Builth Wells area. She has recently completed her all-terrain vehicle (ATV) free accredited course and has spoken of her experience.

The 16-year-old from Builth has recently taken advantage of the Agri-Start offer. She has fitted in a practical hands-on one-day course between her studies at sixth-form college. 

While a number of the training courses took her fancy, she decided to start her accredited training journey, under the Lantra Wales run Agri-Start programme, with an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) course delivered by Jimmy Hughes Services.

The course was one of many on offer to residents in Powys aimed at those from non-farming backgrounds, from woodland management, rodent control, all the way through to conservation and sustainability.

The all-terrain vehicle (ATV) course took her fancy as it had been specifically designed to provide accreditation for trainees in a range of ATV areas from health and safety, driving across different terrains, through to safe towing of heavy goods on and off the Quad. 

All courses on offer under Agri-Start are delivered through Lantra’s trusted Awards network with Jimmy Hughes Services experts in providing training courses of this nature in the land based sector. 

While still early days since completing the course, Seren is already seeing the benefits.

“I’m certainly now more confident in a range of ATV activity – from towing heavy loads through to driving on more challenging terrains,” she said.

“Whilst I had some knowledge already of driving a Quad this course has certainly increased my skills, safety whilst using ATVs, as well as ensured I’m accredited in case I ever need to use it in any future work environment.”

Attendees on the day were from all ages and experience capabilities, learning involved both a theory and practical element. With Agri-Start focused specifically on those from non-farming backgrounds, the courses also provided a route into land-based work for those in attendance with an accreditation of those key skills sorely needed in the sector.

With this course now under her belt, Seren is setting her sights at completing other free Agri-Start courses prior to the end of programme in 2024 and encourages others to take advantage of this package of support for those living in Powys.

Lantra is one of the UK’s leading awarding bodies for training in the land-based industries, dedicated to developing the land-based workforce for over 40 years. They develop quality training and nationally recognised qualifications, delivered by a carefully selected network of approved training partners.

To learn more visit: www.wales.lantra.co.uk/agristart